Carcinosarcoma stage 3 ovarian cancer

[creekshack]

My Mom (68 years old very healthy otherwise) has been diagnosed with carcinosarcoma stage 3C ovarian cancer.  I'm trying to find information on nutrition.  She is undergoing chemo every three weeks taxol/carbo.  I'm getting so much conflicting information on nutrition.  I've been told she should have soy milk instead of cow's milk and another nutritionist said no soy milk and no rice milk!  Milk is just one food that we are getting mixed info about. Her oncologist basically said she already has cancer let her eat what she wants.  I know this cancer is rare and that the prognosis is not good but I really want to try anything that could help beat the odds.  I don't think we should just accept this and go on like there is nothing we can do.  My Mom is very optomistic but is feeling the side effects of the chemo and this is starting to be very difficult for her.  I feel so useless!!  I'm reading, asking and researching everything to find info on nutrition and help her on this difficult journey.  Does anyone have any information on nutrition that is more related to this type of cancer?  I would really appreciate any advise.  Thank you!

[creekshack]

Thank you Katie - that's a good idea...I will look into this.  I did call the nutritionist at the hospital to see if we can meet her outside of the chemo treatment time.  She will meet with us next week.  I just find that the books tend to contradict themselves so much.  I bought one book on what to eat during chemo treatments and on the first few pages it has a list of foods to avoid.  One of those foods is ham...but in the recipe section of the same book there are 3 recipes with ham!!!  I just don't get it!!!
Lyne

[Katie116]

My DIL contacted a Ph.D. in nutrition. He has helped her lots. Find an expert in your area and get his/her opinion.

I know how disheartening this is and how fast you want answers; unfortunately, it all takes time. I'm glad you are being such a good advocate for your Mom. Prayers.  K

[creekshack]

Thank you Dian for your response.  We have asked these questions to her doctors and they just said to let her eat what she wants.  A dietician came to see her during her last chemo treatment  (her 2nd of 6) but I didn't find it to be a good time to be discussing nutrition.  I'm going to call her today and ask more questions.  We're also going to a wellness centre tomorrow and ask our questions there too.  I feel like I'm obsessed with trying to find the "right" answers, you know what I mean?  I'm looking for the miracle cure.  It's so hard, my heart is broken in two.  I will keep on asking questions.  Thank you for your kind words...it is good to know there are people out there.
Lyne

[dian07]

Hello.  I know this is a really scary time for you and your mom and  I also know how  chemo can take it's toll on our bodies.  None of this is easy.
There are many different opinions out there regarding nutrition during chemo and  in general.
When I was going through chemo, I was given a list of dos and don't s when it came to nutritional supplements.  I would suggest you contact your mom's oncology team with your questions.  They will have a list to get you started.
  The only thing I have read that seems not to raise any controversy is that sugar is to be avoided as it feeds the cancer cells.
I can understand your feeling useless because you can't simply snap your fingers and make your mom all healthy again.........but, you are definitely not useless in your mom's eyes.  Having a daughter walk this path with her is such a blessing; and, take my word for it, she is  very grateful to have you.
Be good to yourself or you won't be able to help your mom.
Please do keep us posted and remember we are here for you both.
Peace.
dian